"I tell him I tried. I tried to keep memory alive; I tried to fight those who would forget. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. There is so much injustice & suffering crying out for our attention. We must take sides. We must interfere. -E.W.

Tests. Tests. And More Tests.

Ryan had a very good night and only coughed a few times. He seemed comfortable throughout and his pulse stayed below sixty-five. It was so nice to see him resting comfortably. I almost hated bouncing him out of bed at six o’clock. But, as you know, there are not enough minutes in the day to dilly-dally around.

The fourteen-day course of antibiotics for the last urinary tract infection finished yesterday evening. The plan is to continue him on a low dosage, once a day, going forward. As much as I don’t like him on antibiotics, it only makes sense. The alternative is to use heavy-duty antibiotics every time he gets a UTI and I dislike that even more. As you know, this is a recurring infection. He seems to get one every two months (or less).

We had a comprehensive set of blood work drawn yesterday. It will test nearly everything, from testosterone, to iron and magnesium, to a complete chemistry panel and more. Since Ryan isn’t able to tell us what’s going on with his body, these tests are crucial in ascertaining his overall physical health.

If the CT scan of his pelvis and abdomen discovered the source, like kidney stones or disease, the treatment might be different. We also learned it is not likely he is retaining urine in the bladder. With the absence of known cause, it’s the only feasible way to manage it. If this fails, well, that’s not good.

In addition, we are sending his urine and saliva for culture. You know, although I know why the urine is being cultured I simply cannot remember why the saliva is. I know think I made a note of this and will need to go back and look to jog my memory.

This is completely off-topic, but does anyone (that lives nearby) have a wench winch I might be able to borrow? I’d like to get our Jacuzzi back up on the patio and this is the only way I can think of doing it (besides finding ten strapping, young men).

Stew says he’s sending his wench over. Not sure she can lift it all by herself, but she’s busty, a fair cook and a great drink mixer. Wants to know if you have a blender.

I know what you’re thinking — She’s up!

I hope one/some of these tests tell us why Ryan is getting these UTIs. Like you, I don’t like the idea of Ryan being on even a small dose of antibiotics, but don’t like what happens if he isn’t. What about others with TBI? Is this a regular occurance, or problem, with anyone you know? Praying this will be resolved soon.

Oh, Lord! we started to say we finally got a rise out of you, Ken, but lord only knows where you would go with that one. We must also keep in mind that that this is a family oriented blog, but there are times when we can’t resist! LOL
BTW, any offers on free steamed crabs?

Very glad to hear Ryan rested well last night and the coughing seems to have calmed down. I did a quick look up on saliva tests, wow, I never knew these were even done — but, apparently, they can be used to detect all kinds of stuff like yeast infections lurking in different areas of the body, cortisol levels and adrenal/thyroid function, and a bunch of other things too. One site said they can check for bone health, male hormone levels, food intolerance, and gastrointesinal health. I learned something new (again). I’m glad it’s being done, and I hope you learn helpful information from it.

Looks like we’ve got another beautiful week on tap. Maybe we’ll all start to get used to the pollen that’s currently trigging sneezing attacks, etc. I hope allergies don’t become an issue for Ryan, because I want you guys to be able to enjoy being outside.

Wishing you both a nice Friday as well as a good weekend. Hope you can take a little break for yourself Ken and relax a bit. You need and deserve that.
Love & prayers to the max
Paula

Ken, So glad Ryan had a pretty good night and hope once a day antibiotic keep UTIs controlled. Praying all tests come back okay.. And that you get that hot tub set up. Next week we’re supposed to get warmer weather and hot tub should do wonders for your aching body!.Hope you get”winch or wench”:)whatever to fix tub. Have a calm day and give Ryan a big hug. Love Gail

Glad Ryan having a good restful weekend. Do wish we could find the source of those UTIs that appear every other month. About continual antiobiotics, it’s good they will be low dosage. I recall years ago, we had put our son on continual amoxicillan(full dose)to battle ear infections — and he got alergic to it. I know, as your always do, will be continually monitoring the situation. God Bless you guys.